Gold Nanosphere-Deposited Substrate for Distinguishing of Breast Cancer Subtypes Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

Raman spectroscopy, as a nondestructive spectral technique, served as an efficient tool for investigating the molecular information of complex biological systems including cells. But the limitation of the technique is its low signal intensity. This inherent problem can be overcomed by using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique. SERS can be achieved by roughening the surface of a substrate with noble metal nanoparticles. But preparation of homogenous SERS substrate with higher enhancement property is a big challenge. In this study, we report a homogenous gold (Au) nanosphere deposited ITO substrate that can significantly increase the Raman signals from analytes. By using this substrate we successfully characterize and distinguish two different sub-types of breast cancer cells. SERS method is simple, label free and non-toxic. Our newly developed Au nanosphere deposited substrate can be used as an effective platform for molecular detection, characterization, and distinguishing different cells originated from same or different organs.